wpmucspqhke

WPMUCSPQHKE
NIPMUC PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
A Q U A R T E R L Y N E W S L E T T E R OF THE NIPMUC N A T I O N
Vol III Issue 2
Tribal Meeting Brings Hope, Calls Nipmucs To Action
More than seventy Nipmucs
attended the general meeting held
June 14 at the Hassanamesit
Reservation in Grafton MA. The
meeting was called in the wake of
5 vacancies on the Interim Tribal
Council.
Chief
Natachaman
Walter
Vickers gave opening remarks and
introduced the Interim Tribal
Council members that were
present. An overview of the BIA's
Bureau of Acknowledgment and
Research (BAR) visit was given by
newly appointed Petition Research
Coordinator, Thomas Doughton.
Doughton first noted that Chief
Wise Owl Edwin Morse and his
family separated from the Nipmuc
Nation Council in May 1996.
"They are filing a separate petition
with the BIA and are seeking
recognition as a separate tribe," he
said.
BAR visit
Doughton explained that the
basis for this BAR visit was to
evaluate our genealogical records,
and to determine in his words, (if)
"we descend from a historical tribe
or tribes." BAR historian Virginia
DeMarce received documents and
information from the Tribal Office
that she did not previously have on
file at the BAR office.
Tribal
members listened with looks of
relief as Doughton told them "with
all indications so far, it appears we
have successfully overcome the
first hurdle....(it appears) we have
successfully demonstrated that
you are all connected to the
historical Nipmuc tribe."
New 'Homeland Model'
He followed with information on
a Nipmuc Community Survey to
be conducted this summer to help
fill in gaps between 1920 and
1970. Various members of the
tribe will be asked to complete the
survey, which differs from the
1992 survey because this will be
based on a new model of the
Nipmuc Nation.
"Until recently," Doughton said,
"the tribe followed the BIA model
used over the last 25 years." The
model was one in which a core
area was described, and then
everyone's relationship to the core
area was given, he said.
"Now we will target Nipmucs
living as individuals in clustered
areas -Nipmuc homeland areas,"
he said.
Doughton included that the
Schaticokes of Connecticut are
using this same type of 'homeland
model' to describe themselves.
In the past, several researchers
for the Nipmucs have indicated
that a homeland model would
more accurately describe the
Nipmuc Nation rather than the
model used to describe the tribes
from the Plains and Southwest.
Call for family photos, info
Doughton also indicated that the
Council is once again asking for
copies of photos, family Bibles,
newspaper clippings, etc. to help
reinforce
this
model
and
strengthen the time between 1920
and 1970.
"We know you consider them to
be precious - you will leave the
office with your originals...we will
shoot copies of the photos in your
presence."
He also asked that any
information from that time period
be submitted to Rae Gould, Tribal
Researcher. "Let us determine if
they're significant," he said,
because even photos without
people in regalia or not at Indian
events can be significant.
New Constitution
Interim Tribal Council member
Little Crow Ron Henries spoke
next regarding the status of the
Nipmuc
constitution.
"Our
constitution came into being from
the
(Nipmuc
Tribal
Acknowledgment) Project, voted
on by a number of people...(it is )
supposedly representative of the
Nipmuc people," he said.
Little Crow expressed a need for
the Constitution to be bilateral,
which would call for changes to the
current Constitution. "It occurred
to the BIA that the (Interim)
Council people didn't get there
according to the Constitution. We
were a government, but we didn't
have a Constitution - or at least
haven't abided by it."
"That can only happen if people
get involved. You allow people to
sit around a table and make
decisions for you. I don't think I
should be doing that. We need to
be making decisions - not me, us,"
he said.
(see Meeting, p. 2)
(Meeting)
For the first time during the
meeting emotions showed. Facial
expressions ranged from 'we've
heard that before,' and 'here we go
again' to looks of 'it's about time.'
After heated words and further
discussion, it was agreed that a
committee would be formed of
non-council and council members
to review the existing constitution
and develop one that better suits
the Nipmuc Nation.
Comments
and advice from all Nipmucs are
requested and can be sent to the
Tribal office in Sutton or care of
VPMUCSPOHKE.
Once a new draft or drafts is
complete, all registered tribal
members will vote on the
constitution.
Council members
hope to have the process
complete in six months.
When the new Constitution is in
place, a new Council will be
elected based on that Constitution.
This new Tribal Council will
replace the Interim Tribal Council
that was formed to facilitate the
process of federal recognition.
Decisions to be made
Little Crow indicated that the
source of the tribe's financial
backing recently changed. "We
have Indian people supporting us
financially....who say you (the
Nipmucs) call the shots....they
want to show us how to do some
economic development on our
own. They have 23 businesses of
their own," Little Crow said.
He described the group to be as
large as 23,000 who "have taken a
liking to us as a people."
""What do they want from us? If
we opened a casino, they'd want
to be the managers. But what I
like is that they want to show us
how to open our own businesses,"
he said.
"That's not my decision.... I don't
have that right, and the other
council members don't have that
right," Little Crow advised.
(It's time) "for a government of
the people - not to sit back and
watch. It's not what you can get it's what you can give."
"Seven generations before made
it possible for you to be here; it's
your responsibility to make it
possible for the next seven
generations to be here," he said.
"All tribal rolls merged"
Shifting gears from the political
arena back to the federal
recognition
situation,
Interim
Council member
Pam Ellis
announced that "all (tribal) rolls
have been merged into one."
"If you've ever been on a Nipmuc
Tribal roll, you are now on the
central roll," she said. Former lists
including
the
Hassanamesit,
Nipmuc Tribal Acknowledgment
Project and Chaubunagungamaug
rolls have now been combined to
create a central roll of about 1800
Nipmucs.
"We now have an enrollment
procedure that supports
our
description of Nipmuc People in
the terms of our Homeland," Ellis
said.
She added that Nipmucs of
voting age will be contacted to
register to vote in the future. This,
however, will depend on the new
Constitution.
At the close of the meeting, 7
Nipmucs (5 regulars, 2 alternates)
were nominated as temporary
replacements to the 5 vacancies
on the Interim Tribal Council. The
following Nipmucs were nominated
as replacements:
Fran Garnett, Worcester MA
Richard Massey, Webster MA
Joseph Delgardo, Natick MA
Steve Yancey, Mount Vernon, NH
Lois Boyd, Uncasville CT
The two alternates are:
Robert Hazzard Jr., Worcester MA
Eugene Martin, Chepachet Rl
The
following
Nipmucs
volunteered to serve on the
committee
to
revise
the
Constitution:
Lois Boyd, Uncasville CT
Joe Delgardo, Natick MA
Pam Ellis, Marston Mills, MA
Tom Garr, Oxford MA
Nancy Harris, Mansfield CT
Bobby Hazzard, Worcester MA
Sadada Jackson, Boston MA
Conrad Luster, Riverside Rl
Cheryl Magos Stedtler,
Branchburg NJ
Denise Quimbey, Hampton NH
Cheryll Toney Holley, Worcester
MA
Carol Waryck, Woodstock CT
Glenn Wilson, Leicester MA
(Thomas Doughton will be a
consultant to the group)
HERE'S MAT'S HAPPENING.
Aug. 17
Aug. 17
Sep. 6-7
Sep. 13-14
Oct. 11
Dec. 6
Nipmuc Heritage Day (proclamation issued in 1996 by MA Gov. William Weld)
Native American Awareness Day at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA 508-7915007 or 508-456-3924
Chaubunagungamaug Council: 17th Annual Nipmuck Powwow, Greenbriar Park, Rt.12, Oxford MA,
508-865-9828
Nipmuc Homecoming Weekend. Hassanamisco Reservation, Grafton MA 508-865-9800
Chaubunagungamaug Council: Harvest Moon Festival & Potluck, Nipmuck Reservation, School St.,
413-436-5596
Chaubunagungamaug Council: Nikkomo Festival, United Church of Christ, Church St. Webster, MA
413-436-5596
BIA Visits Nipmuc Nation Tribal Office
By Rae Gould, Tribal Researcher
Dr. Virginia DeMarce, Historian for the Branch of
Acknowledgment and Research (BAR), Bureau of
Indian Affairs, conducted a site visit to the Nipmuc
Nation Tribal Office in Sutton, MA on June 3, 4, and 5.
In addition to visiting the Tribal Office, DeMarce also
visited the Hassanamisco Reservation in Grafton, and
completed
research
at
various
archives
in
Massachusetts.
The site visit was successful for both BAR and the
Tribe. DeMarce was able to obtain more information
about the late 19th and early 20th century history of the
Tribe. And Tribal Office staff and researchers were able
to find out what additional information BAR would
consider helpful to their evaluation of the petition.
This visit is the second of three that will occur as part
of BAR's evaluation of the Nipmuc Nation's petition for
federal recognition. Last year, Kay Davis, who is no
longer with BAR, conducted a site visit to the Sutton
office and area town halls that focused on genealogical
research. Later this year there will be a visit from
BAR's anthropologist.
The information compiled by BAR staff, along with
submissions made by the Tribe over the years, will be
used by BAR in its technical reports and preliminary
finding. We expect that BAR will issue the finding
sometime later this year.
The Nipmuc Nation petition, which was initiated in
1980 under the leadership of Zara Cisco Brough, is in
the final stages of evaluation by BAR. In July of 1995,
the Nipmuc petition was placed on "active status,"
meaning that BAR would be conducting research
toward writing a preliminary finding.
Research and interaction with DeMarce and other
BAR staff will remain constant throughout the final
stages of the petitioning process, which could continue
for another year and a half.
Editor's Note: Rae Gould is a Tribal Researcher at the
Nipmuc Nation Tribal Office and the In-house
Coordinator of the upcoming Nipmuc Indian Community
Survey. She is a Nipmuc residing in Quaker Hill, CT.
LOOKING BACK!
7725 - Several families permanently live at the native community at Hassanamesit. They are:
George & Christian Misco
Andrew Abraham, his wife & 6 children
Ami Printer & his wife
Joshua Misco & his wife
Moses Printer, his wife & 5 children
Ami Printer Jr., his wife & 2 children
Peter Muckamaug, his wife & child
Abimleck David, his wife
Abigail Abraham & child
Peter Lawrence
1729 - Hassanamesit Indians become wards of the state and are assigned guardians. A fund for them is
established to meet their needs. Hassanamesit becomes known as Grafton.
1735-1869 - During this time, Nipmucs sell most of their remaining land in Natick, Grafton, and other
surrounding towns.
Taubotne to the New England Native American Institute (NENAI) for sharing this timeline with us. The
timeline resulted from the research efforts of the former Nipmuc Tribal Acknowledgment Project working with
NENAI.
Seasons of the Nipmuc
Spring planting moon marked the beginning of new year
The New Year's Moon of Sesquanakeeswush brought the
alewife and planting season to a peak as the festival of
Beltane was being observed in many other cultures.
Mother Earth commenced to revive from her winter
dormancy, sending forth the first fruits of flora and
fauna. Skunk cabbage, peep-frogs, and returning robins
added to the music of drumming and chanting in calling
both wildlife and agricultural pursuits to fruition.
Some wild harvests were already available, but to local
Nipmucs the 'three sisters' of corn, beans, and squash
were the life-saving crops that made life not only
possible, but also free from want even in the cruelest
winter. Additionally, hard-shelled squash, or gourds,
could be fashioned into a variety of containers and
implements.
The three sisters were planted together
in hills up to four or five feet across, and
in gardens that often were as large as 70
to 100 acres. The gardens were located
near rivers or lakes to insure adequate
ground water for good growth even in
dry years.
The low growing but thickly leaved
winter squash plants served two
purposes in addition to the tasty meals
they contributed to. The heavy foliage
helped control weeds and served as a
living mulch for the taller corn and
beans, the latter of which needed no
bean poles as they simply climbed the
corn stalks.
Women were the Gardeners
Women took care of most of the garden work with
simple and effective tools fashioned from antlers, stone,
and wood. Men are known to have assisted as well, but
they were not idle while the women did the bulk of the
planting and gardening.
Along with canoe and dugout repairs, new construction
or upkeep of homes, and the big fishing run which
provided both food and fertilizer, the men - particularly
the elders and the shaman and his apprentices - were
responsible for the growing of ceremonial herbs. This
included many spiritual activities, time in prayer,
offerings of the previous year's sacred herbs, and an
almost constant vigil of prayer and meditation to help
enhance the healing, uplifting qualities of those herbs
recognized as having special powers of restoration or
enlightenment.
As with all moons, or months, special thanksgivings
were observed for the many gifts accompanying the
season. Not only the ceremonial herbs, but also the seeds
and young plants of the three sisters were frequently
serenaded and drummed to by the young men of the
families and clans making up a village.
(See
accompanying illustration of boy drumming and chanting
to encourage growth and a productive harvest.)
Healing with Plants
It was believed that many medicinal herbs were at their
most potent at this time of rebirthing form dormancy.
Joint pains, winter blues, and
springtime sniffles were among the
discomforts successfully treated by
mothers and grandmothers who were
trained from early childhood in the
arts of healing.
Contrary to popular belief, women
generally prepared the roots, barks,
leaves, and other plant parts used in
curing bodily ills.
Men, as
previously noted, were trained in the
use of symbolic and spiritual or
ceremonial herbs.
Healing rituals conducted by male
shamans rarely included the use of
'medicinal' herbs. Prayers, chanting,
rituals, rattling turtle shells or gourd
shakers, and offering kinnickic - a combination of
tobacco, sage, willow, sweetgrass, and other herbs - in a
stone bowl pipe were more typical of the 'medicine'
man's role in healing.
Barring any more surprise snowstorms or cold snaps,
the planting season is upon us... May the cycle bring good
harvests, good health, and peace to all.
Kitt Little Turtle is a Chaubunagungamaug medicine
person whom the Creator has gifted with both artistic
and writing talents. In 1994, he was selected for the
Who's Who section of the 7th Edition Reference
Encyclopedia of the American Indian, and his work has
appeared in Worcester County newspapers as well as
The National Library of Poetry. Little Turtle currently
resides in Douglas MA.
(reprinted with permission, Douglas Herald, May 1997)
A "Fruitful" Suggestion for Nipmuc Heritage Day:
Try Native American Awareness Day at Fruitlands
With Nipmuc Heritage Day approaching on August 17,
Nipmucs throughout CT, MA and RI may be looking for
a way to remember or even discover their heritage.
Fruitlands Museum is offering a worthwhile suggestion
for the day. The museum and the New England Native
American Institute (NENAI) are working together to
sponsor a Native American Awareness Day.
The museum, located on Prospect Hill Road in Harvard
MA, will focus its program on Native Americans who
lived in southern New England before the arrival of the
Mayflower and Pilgrims. Michael Volmar, the museum
curator, has worked closely with various Nipmucs over
the last year. "We've tried to develop closer ties than we
have had in the past," he said. The Nipmuc people are of
particular importance to the museum because they are the
tribe closest in proximity to the facility.
The Fruitlands Museum was founded in 1928 by Clara
Endicot Sears. "She had an interest in preserving Native
American spirituality, especially the 19th century
aspects," Volmar said. However, Ms. Sears' focus was
primarily on people of the Plains, Southwest and
Northwest Coast tribes. The museum currently displays
a collection of New England baskets and a ball club that
may have once been owned by King Philip.
"We hope to reinterpret the whole collection, and put in
a large collection of southern New England - both before
and after contact," Volmar said. Future plans include
the construction of a full-scale wigwam that is part of a
life-size diorama.
Sandra Hume of Rutland MA and NENAI member,
shared similar comments regarding the museum's future
reinterpretation. "This offering will be more culturally
and historically appropriate to the Eastern Woodland
Native Americans," she said. She added that the two
groups had specifically requested Nipmuc input, and
several of those planning the event from NENAI are
Nipmuc tribal members.
Events for the day vary from artwork, weaving and
music to children's tours and crafts. David Wagner,
artist and historian, will offer an exhibit and lecture,
Images ofPre-contact Native New England. The exhibit
features his stunning artwork depicting native life in New
England before the Pilgrims. Volmar said that Wagner's
artwork is the best he has seen in all his years of research.
"Wagner's work has been excellently historically
researched... .They're one of a kind - definitely worth the
trip." Wagner's paintings will be on display at Fruitlands
from August 12-25. Following that exhibit, they will be
on a long term loan to Connecticut's Institute of American
Indian Studies.
Volmar will give museum tours throughout the day,
including one for children, and will also demonstrate flintnapping, the making of a stone tool.
Basketmaking techniques will be offered by Gay Head
Wampanoag Linda Coombs. She will illustrate the
weaving of a traditional fiber bag.
Guests can also listen to beautiful songs played by
flutemaker and musician, Hawk Henries, a Maine
Nipmuc. Hawk, a maker of traditional wooden flutes,
will also lead the Opening and Closing Circles.
The day's events are free with Museum admission.
Prices for admission are $6.00/adult, $3.00/child,
$4.00/senior citizens. Those arriving in groups of 2 or
more pay $3.50/person, but must arrive at the Museum
in a group. For comments or information, call the
Fruitlands Museum, 508-456-3924 or NENAI 508-7915007.
A LITTLE BIT OF NIPMUC
sunrise
sunset
rainbow
From sunrise to sunset...
Let us eat together...
napauz pashpishau
wayont
ukquanogquon
waj p a s h p i s h o n t onk yeu pa jeh
wayont...
Wehpittittuk...
Language excerpts taken from Trumbull's Natick Dictionary
6
Missing!
We are making every effort to reach all of you! However, not all of our addresses are current. If you move, your mail will be forwarded for
only one year, & only if you request it. Please send us any changes or corrections to your address. If your last name appears here, there
It is our hope to reach everyone & help our Nation grow.
Adams
Alicea
Allen
Almeida
Baker
Barile
Barry
Bates
Bazner
Beauregard
Belanger
Bennett
Benoit
Berry
Boddie
Booker
Bowles
Brewster
Brooks
Brown
Bryden
Buckley
Bullard
Burbo
Carey
Chester
Churchill
Clarke
Cottle
Cox
Crayton
Crump
Cruz
Daly
Davis
Dorus
Dunn
Figueroa
Flu
Gallant
Garrett
Geary
Grant
Hamner
Harmon
Hazard
Hazzard
Henries
Hewett
Mickey
Hopewell
Irvine
Jones
Kumah
Laflamme
Lafleche
Lane
Leduke
Lekas
Lewis
Matthews
Minton
Morgan
Moton
Murphy
Perkins
Price
Prince
Quarles
Raine
Ramsey
Revalion
Richardson
Ricki
Robidoux
Rose
Rowlett
Russell
Santana
Savoie
Saviuolo
Scott
Shavies
Shepard
Siddique
Silva
Small
Smith
Strong
Taylor
Toney
The Vickers Reunion Video is Here!
At long last, the video from last year's memorable Vickers' Family Reunion is
now available. The 30-minute video captures special events of the day, as well
as many casual photos, interviews, and family group shots. What a great gift for
those unable to attend, or as a keepsake for those who treasure their roots!
Sincere thanks to Sonya Johnson, a 5. Pasadena CA Nipmuc, and her friends
Ernie Muraoka, Elrondo Shaw, and Eugene Buccieri who created the tape from
the videos and photos taken throughout the day. Additional thanks to Wayne
Wiedemer, another Nipmuc from New Hope, PA, who copied the tapes for
distribution. All proceeds will be used to continue the MPMUCSPQHKEnewsletter
or to assist the efforts of the New England Native American Institute. For
your copy, send check or money order for $10.00 per tape to:
NIPMUCSPQME:
PO Box 5292
Branchburg NJ 08876
908-218-0783
Or
NENAI
PO Box 212
Worcester MA 01602
508-791-5007
Trumble
Valentine
Vickers
Wai re
Walker
Wallace
Walley
Whitaker
White
Whiting
Wiles
Willoughby
Wilson
THE NIPMUC NATION CONSTITUTION
Now is your chance to express your point of view.
On June 14, 1997, at the Tribal meeting at Hassanamisco Reservation, a committee was
formed to restructure the Nipmuc Constitution. The committee members are all Nipmucs.
They will be seeking input from all Nipmuc Tribal members about the Constitution. On Sept.
14, at the Nipmuc Homecoming Weekend, Committee Chairperson Joseph Delgardo will
present the preliminary draft of the new Constitution to all Nipmucs present, followed by a
question and answer period. A time period with a deadline (approximately 30 days) for
comments and input will be announced. The committee is looking for input relating to Council
seats and elections, issues relating to Nipmucs living outside of Nipmuc country, terms of
office, voter age, voter registration, etc. Nipmucs will be able to review and comment on the
draft before the final draft is offered for to the Tribe for general election. Now is your chance
to participate in the future of your Nation. Thank you for your patience.
Constitution Committee Members
Strong Eagle Daly
Joe Delgardo (Chairperson)
Tom Doughton (Staff Liason)
Tom Garr
Nancy Harris
Bobby Hazzard
Conrad Luster
Cheryl Magos Stedtler
Cheryll Toney Holley
Glenn Wilson
H1PMVSSPQHKE would like to thank the following
Nipmucs for their support, whether it be educational,
financial, clerical, moral or technical: Donald Brown,
Everett Brown, Pat Brown Brygier, Fran Garnett, Rae
Gould, Ken Hamilton Sr, Nancy Harris, Cheryll
Toney Holley, Beatrice Klash Jeffries, Sonya
Johnson, Kitt Little Turtle, Richard Massey, Mildred
Brown Wiedemer and Wayne Wiedemer.
Taubotne !
NIPMUC HOMECOMING
WEEKEND
/MJJJJXU/N /AJ_LLLLLLL/\ /MJLLLUUl/N /Millllll/N /il I I III ny>.
-flassanatMisco
MPMUCSPOHKE
P.O. Box 5292
Branchburg NJ 08876
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
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